We continue to follow readings from Luke's Gospel as we are currently in year C of the readings cycle. Today's reading was from Luke 18 vv. 9-14 in which Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector.
Parables are stories based on everyday life through which Jesus teaches a particular truth. They can be Short Sayings:
e.g. “You are like light for the whole world” Matthew 5:14
Longer Sayings:
e.g. “No-one uses a piece of new cloth to patch up an old coat, because the new patch will shrink and tear off some of the old cloth, making an even bigger hole”
Mark 2:21
or Complete Stories like:
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector Luke 18:9-14
The Pharisees were Jews who based their teachings on the Pentateuch (the first five Bible books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy).
But they added extra rules, e.g. Fasting twice a week (instead of just on Day of Atonement - once a year) and giving a tythe of extra things.
In the story the Pharisee prayed: I, I, I, I .... really saying "Aren't I good!!
The tax collector, however, knew he was a sinner and asked for forgiveness.
Jesus said the tax collector was the one who went home justified (just as if he had never sinned).
What about us:
We need to be humble too and make sure that we are right with God, not trying to give a good impression to other people. Our relationship with God is the most important.
